Best Apricot Almond Dressing Recipes

SILVER PALATE GRAND MARNIER APRICOT STUFFING

Steps:

• Place the apricots and 1 cup of the Grand Marnier in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling. Remove from heat and set aside. (If you simply must, simmer the giblets in a small saucepan covered with water for 5 minutes. When cool, remove and finely dice, discarding the liquid.).
• Melt ½ cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and saute for 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
• In the same skillet, cook the sausage, crumbling it with a fork, until it's no longer pink. Remove from heat and add to the celery & onion mixture.
• Add the stuffing mix, apricots with the liquid, the almonds (and the optional giblets.) Stir to combine.
• Heat the remaining 1/2 cup butter and chicken stock just until the butter melts. Pour over the stuffing mixture and add the remaining 1/2 cup of Grand Marnier. Stir well to moisten the stuffing, adding the thyme, salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake stuffing in a large buttered casserole at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
• If you insist, you'll have enough to stuff a 21-24 pound bird with a small extra casserole on the side.
• Note: I usually make just ½ recipe. The Grand Marnier is expensive. If not in your budget, you might substitute another orange flavored liqueur (even Southern Comfort works.).

MIXED GREENS WITH APRICOT VINAIGRETTE AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar and jam in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
• Put the greens in a large bowl, toss with the vinaigrette and top with the almonds.

APRICOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In blender, combine first 5 ingredients; blend until smooth. With blender running, slowly add loive oill; blend until smooth.

APRICOT ALMOND STUFFING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place torn croissant pieces, chopped onion, sliced almonds, tarragon, thyme, parsley, quartered apricot bits, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, apricot preserves (or jam), and half of the chicken broth; stir until blended. Pour the broth mixture over the stuffing mixture.
• Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to toss the stuffing mixture until all the ingredients are well blended. Use as much of the remaining broth--adding a little at a time--as is needed to get the stuffing thoroughly moist (but not saturated or "soupy"). I usually use nearly all of the 2 cups of broth, with maybe 1/8 cup or so not used (I've never really measured the unused portion).
• Place stuffing in a 10x10-inch baking dish, cover, and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
• NOTE - I don't usually grease my pyrex casserole dish for this stuffing, and I have never had a problem with the stuffing sticking to the edges or bottom, and the clean-up is very easy (no crusty pieces stuck to the dish). But, depending on what type of dish you use to roast the stuffing, you might want to first lightly butter your baking dish or lightly coat it with a no-stick cooking spray.
• TIP - Take advantage of sales, and buy day-old croissants at a reduced price when you plan to make this dish. They will be well moistened with the buttery broth, so it won't matter if they are a bit dry.

CREAMY APRICOT DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in screw top jar.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Shake furiously.
• Pour over salad.

ALMOND-APRICOT CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, adding apricots during the last 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water; place in a large bowl. Add broccoli, chicken, onions and celery. , In a small bowl, combine the next eight ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving; fold in almonds.